May 2 — President Donald Trump said the United States is planning to reduce its military presence in Germany by a number significantly higher than previously reported, indicating a broader withdrawal than the 5,000 troops the Pentagon announced earlier.
Speaking to reporters before departing Florida on May 2, Trump was asked directly about the troop reduction and whether the United States was pulling forces out of Germany. His response suggested a much larger drawdown is under consideration.
“We’re going to cut way down and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000. Thank you very much,” Trump said.
The remarks expand on a Pentagon announcement made a day earlier that outlined plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany over a period of six to twelve months. Defense officials had said those forces would be repositioned to the United States and other overseas locations.
Trump’s statement indicates that the previously disclosed figure may represent only part of a broader plan. By stating the reduction would go “a lot further than 5,000,” he signaled that the total number of troops ultimately removed could be substantially higher.
The initial Pentagon decision would return U.S. troop levels in Europe to what they were in 2022, before Russia’s war in Ukraine prompted an increased American military presence across the continent. Even with that reduction, Germany would still host more than 30,000 U.S. troops, maintaining one of the largest American deployments outside the United States.
The withdrawal has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers, who cited ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as reasons to maintain a strong military footprint in Europe. They have also pointed to Germany’s role in supporting U.S. operations as a factor in favor of keeping troop levels steady.
Defense officials have said the decision followed a review of U.S. force posture in Europe and reflects current operational needs. At the same time, the move comes amid tensions between Washington and Berlin, including disagreements over Germany’s comments regarding U.S. military actions in Iran.
Trump has previously expressed frustration with German leadership, criticizing the country’s stance on international conflicts and its domestic policies. The troop reduction announcement followed those criticisms, adding to speculation that the move carries political as well as strategic motivations.
Germany plays a central role in U.S. military operations, hosting key infrastructure including command headquarters and medical facilities such as Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. These installations support missions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Despite those strategic considerations, Trump’s latest comments suggest the administration is prepared to move forward with a deeper reduction. His brief but direct answer to reporters underscored that the previously reported figure of 5,000 troops may only be an initial step in a larger shift in U.S. military posture in Europe.